The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program provides funding for renewable energy and capacity building projects to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for heating and electricity in Indigenous, rural and remote communities across Canada.

In support of the clean energy transition, the program’s objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use by increasing the use of local renewable energy sources and related energy efficiency measures. This creates environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities.

Investing in clean energy solutions in Indigenous communities is a small but important link to energy security, reconciliation, self-determination and economic development for Indigenous Peoples.

The Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program is currently accepting applications under the following streams:

• Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems

Please note: 

Given limited remaining funding, CERRC is receiving applications only for the intent of maintaining a waiting list for the streams below. While eligible proposals are unable to be funded, they will be placed on a waitlist for consideration should funding become available:

• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Biomass heating, district heating, and combined heat and power systems
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Research, Development, and Demonstration projects

Funding for the CERRC Streams below is fully committed. Applications submitted will be reviewed to inform future funding program design and development:

• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities Capacity Building projects
• Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities – Deployment of renewable energy projects

Wah-ila-toos pathfinding support may identify alternative funding options for eligible initiatives seeking support for clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.

Please continue to visit their website for further updates.

Definition of rural and remote communities

Rural community is defined as a community with a population of less than 5,000 people and a population density of less than 400 persons per square kilometre and not connected to the North American piped natural gas network.

Remote community refers to a community not currently connected to the North American electrical grid or the piped natural gas network and is a permanent or long-term (5 years or more) settlement with at least 10 dwellings.